The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
A Wilderness Study Area is a region that holds the characteristics of a Wilderness Area without the title. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the authority that cares for the land and sets up studies to determine if it may qualify as a full-fledged wilderness. BLM regulations call for visitors to the Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area to leave "no trace behind" and to reduce impact so as not to impair the area's suitability as a wilderness area. Vehicles other than emergency vehicles are not allowed inside the site, making the issue of BLM RV camping inside the boundaries of the preserve moot.
Sitting near the center of Idaho, Borah Peak is within a few hours' drive of two national parks: Yellowstone National Park, which is 172 miles to the northeast, and Grand Teton National Park, 182 miles to the southeast. In either case, an interesting difference between these federal programs is that national parks may allow RV camping on regulated grounds, and wilderness study areas do not.
The Mount Borah Trail runs from an established base camp to the summit of Borah Peak, a climb of 5,300 feet. The trail starts along an accessible route through the forests at the mountain base and becomes challenging once hikers pass the tree line. It is an in-and-out trail that provides impressive views of the valley below.
Length: 8.2 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Lower Cedar Creek Falls Trail leads hikers alongside the creek to a fantastic waterfall. Most of the way is flat walking amongst the pebbles and rocks left when the stream overflows in the spring. The final stage of the hike is complex, with a near-vertical climb to an overlook of the waterfall.
Length: 3.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
While some of the small streams inside Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area provide some small cutthroat trout, the best fishing in the area is at the Mackay Reservoir, about five miles outside the area. Boat ramps allow anglers to get onto the water, where they find an abundance of rainbow trout, brook trout, and Skamania trout.
There are several peaks near Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area that are rated as "quality" climbs. Leatherhead Peak, the second-highest peak in Idaho, offers a climb of over 4,000 feet in a short distance. Donaldson Peak, the eighth-highest peak in Idaho, presents a challenge to the most experienced climbers with a long approach and a steep, rotten rock headwall to climb.
Wildlife small and large find habitats in the Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area. Larger animals such as elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and moose roam much of the area. Smaller animals like pygmy rabbits, squirrels, moles, and voles live alongside each other. Golden and bald eagles are often viewed hovering in the skies above the forests. Hunters compete for permits to take game during short hunting seasons.
Due to the nature of this wilderness study area, picnic tables are not available anywhere inside its boundaries. There are many BLM picnic tables available at places located just outside the edges of the area. Other picnic locations are provided by local community parks and county parks within easy reach of Borah Peak.
Many hikers and campers staying the night remark on the clarity of the stars. With little ambient light and no large communities in the area, the more you can see—the higher hikers camp on the ridges near Borah Peak, the more brilliant the night sky.
The only developed BLM RV Camping site near Borah Peak is the Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site located about five miles to the south. Offering 26 Bureau of Land Management camping sites for RVs with electric hookups, the campground sits on the shores of Mackay Reservoir. A dump station, restrooms, drinking water, boat ramp, and interpretive trail provide extras beyond the typical BLM RV camping site. The cost is $14 per night with a 14-day maximum time of occupancy.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in several sites near the Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area. A great example of these types of sites is the Mackay Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area located four miles south of the Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area. The free camping area is at the upper end of the reservoir, where visitors find several places between the road and the lake to boondock with excellent cellphone service.
Visitors making an Internet search requesting "BLM camping near me" that designate the Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area as their central location will find every available campsite in the region. Check out any reviews that these sites provide to find the campgrounds you prefer, and make a list with notes that include directions, amenities, and distance from your destination.
BLM RV camping near the Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area is a popular activity the entire year. The incredible views, hiking opportunities, rock climbing, and local fishing and hunting bring guests from every region of Idaho to Borah Peak. The weather changes quickly, so make sure to pack extra clothing. Those who look to hike in the high areas should consider packing for comfortable layered apparel as the elevated areas in Idaho are notoriously cool. Boondockers need to pack extra canned goods, insect repellent, and cooking utensils. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The "leave no trace" regulation is a required element of staying in or near the Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area. The role of the BLM is to preserve the area's natural features until Congress considers it for wilderness area status. Whether inside or outside the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, visitors must follow the stated mission of BLM to reduce human impact on the area and leave it as pristine as it was found, including the removal of any waste or garbage.
To reach Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area from Idaho Falls, drive west on United States Highway 20 (US-20) for 63 miles to become United States Highway 93 (US-93). Continue on US-93 for 25 miles into Mackay, ID. From Mackay, continue northwest on US-93 for 15 miles and turn right onto Borah Peak Road to find your destination.
Ready to visit Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area? An RV Share is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RV Share.
